Epistle
XXXIII.
To Justinus, Prætor
1438
.
Gregory to Justinus, &c.
The spite of the ancient foe has this way of its
own, that in the case of those whom, through
God
resisting him, he cannot delude into the perpetration
of evil deeds, he maims their reputation for a time by false
reports. Seeing, then, that a sinister rumour about our brother
and fellow-bishop Leo
1439
had
disseminated certain things inconsistent with his priestly profession,
we caused strict and lengthened enquiry to be made as to whether they
were true, and we have found no fault in him touching the things that
had been said. But, that nothing might seem to be omitted, and
that no possible doubt might remain in our heart, we caused him over
and above to take a strict oath before the most sacred body of the
blessed Peter. And, when he had done this, we rejoiced with great
exultation that from a proof of this kind his innocence evidently shone
forth. Wherefore let your Glory receive the aforesaid man with
all charity, and shew him reverence such as is becoming towards a
priest; nor let any doubtfulness remain in your heart touching the
charges from which he has now been purged. But it lies upon you
so to cleave in all respects to the above-named bishop, that you may be
seen fittingly and becomingly in his person to honour
God
, whose minister he is.
1438
Now Prætor
of Sicily. Cf. I. 2.
1439
Bishop of Catana
in Sicily. Cf. I. 72.